Friday, March 8, 2013

LUST LIST

Me Oh My MISSONI!

One day, I want all of you pretty little knits hanging in my closet.

On a cold blustery winter day, these gorgeous pieces by Missoni get me by and ready for the warmer temps.
Happy Thoughts!








 

 


 

LETS HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS!

 
 
 
 
International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's in the United States – and after 100 years it remains strong. The theme of 2013 is “A Promise is a Promise: Time for action to end violence against women”.

One third of women will become victims of violence at least once in their lives. One third…. That number is frightening & this problem is not just in developing countries, it strikes all social and economic classes, every religion & race and age. Violence against women is a disgusting violation of human rights.

What can we do? Its endless all the suggestions we can come up with – something you can think about….. Initiate action in your community, let that be your motivation to bring awareness. Volunteer at a Safe House, Learn the signs of abuse and don’t be afraid to get involved. Too many people are afraid to get involved in others business, but when you see something you should say something. Help her.

No mother, friend, sister, aunt, or daughter ever deserved it. Find a local organization where you can volunteer or start your own. Every action counts.
 
 
Here are a few you can start with:
http://www.ncadv.org/
http://www.volunteermatch.org/
http://www.peaceforfamilies.org/safe_house.html


 
Gandhi
Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacity.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

MIAMI MEMORIES


If only the walls on the Villa Stella could speak.... What would they say!
 
Lots of Laughs, inside jokes, ridiculousness and Reality TV?! Eight bridesmaids plus the bride all luxuriously shacked up in an over the top fabulous Villa on Palm Island (located off of Miami, next to Fischer Island & Star Island) for an incredible bachelorette party 

Here are a few captured memories thanks to my iphone diaries...


 


View from my room


View from entrance hallway into backyard


 
Daily Naps

 
Bvlgari Products in each room

 

 
Me with the Beautiful Bride to be!

 
Had to take a pic- Our maid, Maria, phenomanel! Even upacked for us!INotice my sneakers? Managed to get some workouts in!
 
 
Chartered a 55 foot boat thru Miami, Star Island, & Coral Gables.
 

Personal Restaraunt Recommendations:
 
Sugar Cane - Try their Bacon Wrapped Dates & Brussel sprouts... Tappas heaven!
 
Casa Tua - Order the grilled octopus and their signature martini drink the "Good Life".... ah may zing!

Carpaccio - Eat while you shop!
 
Memories to last a lifetime!


MOVING ON UP

As you know, I'm in the process of moving out of my Upper East Side apt., and the only thing we know is that we will be staying in the UES. Its city living with a suburban vibe. For those who want to move into NYC -  It may seems quite impossible to not spend all of your money moving here. So here are some tips on how to move without breaking the bank.
  1. Research, Research, Research. Research each area and jot down the pro’s and con's for each. For me, the upper east side is a great mix of city and suburbia. The UES is safe, some of the best local restaurants and close to my work by subway. You need to determine which part of the city you want to live in, note prices vary significantly for each area. I don’t suggest paying double because the area is more hip, you can easily get to the hip area by numerous modes of transportation. You will be spending all your money on rent and not be able to actually enjoy "cool places"
  2. Brakes on Brokers – Before getting professional assistance-  do your own research. Ask your friends and family if they know of any available apartments. Go online and look around to get a feel of the places you want – You may be lucky enough to find one directly by owner with no broker fee. Craigslist can sometimes feel like a black hole, but should you find something worth looking at never go alone. Safety first! Another great site I use it the NYTIMES rental section online. You can search for exactly what you want by choosing and specifying the criteria that meets your living needs.
  3. SAVE SAVE SAVE Trust me on this, I don’t know how many times I’ve had to tell people that its way more expensive to move than just paying your first months’ rent. You want to save about 4 – 5 times the amount of your first month’s rent. To move into your new place you will need to put up 2 months of rent, plus a security deposit plus a brokers fee should you use one. Moving van, Movers and the rest of your money will go to miscellaneous moving costs and accessorizing  your new place. Before your move  you need to SAVE YOUR MONEY!
  4. DIG DUMP & DONATE! Dig thru your belongings and rid yourself of items you no longer use or wear and donate them to your local church or salvation army. Feels good to do something for others plus it will be less junk to move. Another good point, since space is small in NYC, rethink your large items. You want to make sure you don’t clutter your new space. A clean clutter free home is a happy home!
Hope these tips come in handy for when moving day approaches, Happy Moving!
 

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

DIY BACHELORETTE TREATS



Whew! Well I just got back from an amazing trip with my girls and I wanted to share what I made for each bridesmaid at the bachleorette party. The bag I made contained the following:
  • Homemade sugar cookies cut into bras/thongs
  • Pack of gum
  • Advil
  • Slipped in a cute someecard cutout (each bag tied with a Free Get out of Jail Card)

Very easy to make and enjoyed by all.

 
I didn’t have a heart cookie cutter so I hand cut each heart and created the cleavage by cutting into the dough before I popped it into the oven(next time I will be more generous with the icing and sprinkles, this was my first try)
I purchased the clear bags, bag ties, cookie icing and gum at a local party store and printed some of my favorite someecards off the Internet.
 
 

 

 
 

 
 
 

Hope this DIY inspires you to create something cute for your next party! Enjoy!